Parlour making a westie out of my cairn

[S&Riley]

Quick one - when i leave Riley in for a hair cut - they say he gets a "westie" cut - now if i wanted a westie, I'd have gotten one so why is it ok that they call this cut (shape/style) "Westie" Since he's been and its grown out a little the shape around the face is more pronounced and he's not got that rough / messy cairn "look"

Any ideas?

Sophie

[bradl]

I don't really know why groomers do what they do to Cairns. The Westie look is a bit more exaggerated and stylized -- maybe it's more satisfying for the groomer - more sense of having done something worth paying for?

Around here I would say a Cairn owner who got a Westie back from the groomer would count themselves lucky. Many seem to be using a Schnauzer template.

[cairnsby3]

they don't seem to realize that all they have to do is clip everything one length (not real short) and that's it, they seem to think they have to do something special.

[TazTalk]

The puppy cut is best - same length overall and full face. A good photo can get your point across.

[S&Riley]

that's a good point - bring a photo - like we do going to hte hairdressers - genius - will do next time thank you

[bradl]

I post this a lot as an example (just because it's handy, not because it's anything special):

[shergry]

Brad: You have a way with words and pictures!!! Just love how you get a GOOD point across and still leave us laughing!!

I agree with all...long, long, long time ago my Mother took my cairn to be cut (must have been on vacation-me that is!!) came home to a schauzer cut....dog lived under the coach for a month!!! She was SO embarassed....I cried....Mom did not know what to do! The hair grows back...and the human learned a lesson!! Like the idea of a puppy cut...to go to a groomer this is what I would tell them...at least it gets you closer to even.

After writing this I think the picture that Brad put up is to be blown up and given to groomer poster style!!! ;-)

[Macdaddy]

Love the photo Brad.........Great idea !!

[tlwtheq]

I've gotten "Westie Cairns" back from the groomer before as well. It's hard to

not to feel insulted on the pups' behalf.

[PeppersMom]

CUt is the dirty word here....cutting a Cairn's coat is sooooo bad! If a Cairn noob can't hand strip, at least use a Mars Coat King on it. Its better than nothing....

[sanford]

I post this a lot as an example (just because it's handy, not because it's anything special):

Bradl - You posted that photo as a guide some years ago. I copied and enlarged it and I always take it to the groomer with me along with some other good cairn examples. The groomers always appreciated it and I think it makes their job much easier. Thanks to the examples, I never get back a Westie or Schnauzer!

Edited May 27, 2012 by sanford